Recycle electronics, batteries Saturday in McHenry
Submitted by Environmental Defenders of McHenry County
The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will conduct a recycling collection for fluorescent tubes, Styrofoam, electronics and batteries from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 14, at the Metra Station parking lot, 4005 Main St., McHenry.
The Defenders expect a “glut” of electronics to be brought to their recycling drives this year. As of Jan. 1, it is no longer legal for individuals to dispose of unwanted electronics in their regular trash. Discarded electronics, including computers, monitors, keyboards, scanners, fax machines and many other electronic devices, must now be taken to a registered recycler for proper management. It will be illegal for the consumer to dispose of them in the trash and it will be illegal for Illinois landfills to accept them.
This newest phase includes individual citizens in the effort to keep electronics, which contain a variety of potentially toxic contaminants, out of the state’s 48 active landfills. The metals, which include gold, cadmium, lead and silver, can threaten groundwater if left in landfills. However, when the metals are reused, it eliminates some of the need for mining new supplies and can also be valuable resources when reclaimed. Recycling other metals such as aluminum from scrap or cans has the same benefits. The Defenders recycled more than 1.25 tons of aluminum in 2011.
Ahead of the game and staying on top of recycling issues, the Defenders began recycling electronics years ago. The monthly drives collected 27,568 pounds in 2011. The group also began a successful program of recycling block Styrofoam and collected 14,488 cubic feet of it last year. Another item, car batteries, can leak acid which will effect the environment. The Defenders collected 3,500 pounds of them in 2011 and made sure they were safely recycled.
The Defenders’ Recycling Drive accepts rechargeable batteries, car batteries, lithium and button batteries. The Defenders also collect fluorescent tubes, clean white Styrofoam, VHS and cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, packing peanuts and reusable, unpopped Bubble Wrap. A donation is requested for fluorescent bulbs and batteries that are brought in to offset the costs involved in processing these items. Electronics such as computers, phones, printers, and electronic toys, are accepted. TVs and computer monitors will be accepted for a donation. At the McHenry collection, the Defenders also accept and pay for aluminum cans.
The Defenders hold a recycling drive on the second Saturday of each month, alternating between McHenry in odd-numbered months and Woodstock in even-numbered months. Area residents may drive up and drop off their recyclables with Defenders’ volunteers, who help to unload and sort the materials.
For more information about the recycling schedule and types of materials accepted at each location, or to access the Green Guide recycling directory which is put out annually by the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at MCC, visit mcdef.org/recycling_information.htm or call (815) 338-0393.
The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions. For more information, visit mcdef.org or call (815) 338-0393.